HelmetHub provides helmets at bike-sharing stations

Bike-sharing programs are a good idea, particularly for people who occasionally find themselves in need of some last-mile transportation. It’s pretty doubtful, however, that such people are always going to be packing a bike helmet. That’s why the HelmetHub helmet vending machine was invented.

Developed by the Boston-based HelmetHub company, the theft- and vandal-resistant machine can hold up to 36 re-usable helmets at a time, in three sizes.

An electronic user interface allows bike-sharing co-op members to identify themselves, then request or return a helmet. The HelmetHub online administration software tracks how many helmets are present in each machine, so that used helmets can be picked up for inspection and sanitizing, and machines that are running low can be topped up with clean helmets.

Because the machine is solar-powered, it doesn’t require an external power source. The idea is that HelmetHubs will be located with the bikes, at bike-sharing stations, wherever they happen to be.

The City of Boston, appropriately enough, is the first user of the technology. It will officially launch a HelmetHub program this Thursday, by supplying four city-run bike-sharing stations with the machines.

If you just can’t stand the thought of wearing a sanitized-but-still-used helmet, though, perhaps the one-time-use Paper Pulp Helmet might be more to your liking.

An experienced freelance writer, videographer and television producer, Ben's interest in all forms of innovation is particularly fanatical when it comes to human-powered transportation, film-making gear, environmentally-friendly technologies and anything that's designed to go underwater. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, where he spends a lot of time going over the handlebars of his mountain bike, hanging out in off-leash parks, and wishing the Pacific Ocean wasn't so far away. All articles by Ben CoxworthFollow @bencoxworth

All bicycle nations do just fine without. Cycling and in particular in the context of bike sharing is about transport and not about racing.

Paul van Dinther 3rd September, 2013 @ 04:59 pm PDT

Bring on the 3D printers

Ozuzi 3rd September, 2013 @ 08:21 pm PDT

One does not have to race bikes to risk head injury. I think this is a great idea. Since it reuses helmets, it makes it green, especially if it is solar powered.

I think it would be a great addition to those rental bikes in New York City. Perhaps it could generate revenue by having ads on the helmet?

The 3D printed helmet might be a cool idea but I think it would take too long to make the helmet. Perhaps when the supply is low in the machine, it could make newer ones but it would need a bigger more expensive vending machine.